New F1 team boss: “I am very happy that we chose Ferrari engines”

Cadillac team boss Grim Loudon has said the team will use a fully legal engine for the 2026 season, following controversy over Mercedes’ engine cheating allegations.

During the winter months, Mercedes, and possibly Red Bull, reportedly found a way to increase the engine compression ratio above the new 16:1 limit while the cars were on track. Moreover, during measurements made in boxes at normal temperatures, turning the compression to 16:1 provided an increase in power. At the Melbourne round it was estimated that this time could go up to 0.3 seconds per lap, or up to 17.4 seconds over the 58-lap circuit.

The new player in the championship, Cadillac, will be a customer of Ferrari and the team has already run the engine at Silverstone.

“I am very pleased and confident that we have a completely legal engine,” Loudon said.

“In these engines, combustion is not allowed to occur at a compression ratio of more than 16 to 1.
Without going into detail, we know that Ferrari complies fully with the rules and this gives us great confidence.

We work and support our engine partner at the maximum level in terms of performance. We are extremely pleased with the cooperation.

I can’t speak for other people’s engines or how others interpret the rules. But for me everything is extremely clear; everything is black and white.”

I have worked with Ferrari many times before; they are great partners. This is a legendary name in Formula 1. “All the people on this team are true racers, and we’re excited to welcome them to the Cadillac team.”